Sermon Snippet – Asbestos Christians
INTRODUCTION – Mark 14:1-11 is a fascinating account, showing us both the worst and the best of mankind. This historical event occurred during the week before the cruel crucifixion of Christ Jesus.
1. ALMOST EVERYONE WAS IN THE WRONG
The religious leaders, unspiritual and power-drunk, were driven by rage against Jesus (verses 1-2). They should have been rejoicing that the promised Messiah was with them. Instead, they were planning to kill Jesus at a politically opportune time. Ironically, their sinister schedule is about to be altered (verses 9-11). They were responsible for their dastardly actions, but they were not in ultimate control. The timing of Jesus’ death must fulfill the prophecy and typology of the Old Testament, and it did.
Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the one who began the criticism of this compassionate woman (verses 3-5; see John 12:4-6). His primary motivation was greed; he was the treasurer of the group and a thief. His decision to go to the religious leaders is consistent with his cynical materialist outlook on life. “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (I Timothy 6:10a – my translation, based on the original Greek). If we live for money, we may have much of it, but we will have nothing else.
To me, the most distressing aspect of this narrative is the rapid and ready response of the other disciples. Unlike the religious leaders and Judas, these men were genuine believers. Yet, they piled on in the criticism of a devout lady. The psychology of a mob is troubling, for it does not merely add our sin natures together but multiplies them. The current assault on law enforcement in our nation is a visible reminder of this truth. Within the church, though, such an attitude is even worse. I think of Demas (II Timothy 4:10a) and Diotrephes (III John 10-11), and I do not want to be a disappointing disciple.
2. ONE PERSON WAS IN THE RIGHT
The woman who anointed Jesus (verses 6-9) was Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus and Martha (John 12:3). She was not perfect – none of us are – but she listened to the teachings of Jesus, believed in His words, and cared about Him. Her gift to Him was motivated by remarkable insight, and it was lavish (likely her life savings). In the Gospel records, she is the only one who heard Jesus’ instruction on His death and His resurrection three days later, understood it, meditated upon it, and reached the conclusion that she would honor Him before His burial. Faith and love are joined in her selfless act. Her example reveals that it is possible to do the right thing even when no one else cares about right and wrong.
CONCLUSION The title of this message is “Asbestos Christians.” My intent is not to get more clicks or views (although those outcomes would not be bad). Rather, it is a play on words. We all know of the negative impact of asbestos, causing suffering and even death. Most of us know people impacted by this insidious substance. The spiritual parallel is to those hypercritical, joy-killing Christians who cause problems for others by their murmuring. We do not want to become negative Nellie Olesons – or worse. Following an instigator like Judas is spiritual asbestos, bad – even deadly – for anyone who goes down that wayward way. The example of Mary is the better path. Jesus said, “She hath done what she could.” In other words, she did as best as she could. We also can be asbestos Christians in this positive sense, doing as best as we can in serving Jesus and others. Ephesians 6:6-7 and Colossians 3:23 tell us that it is a reasonable goal to do as best as we can; “heartily” does not imply perfection but rather consistency and intensity of purpose. Mary’s act earned Jesus’ commendation; ours can also merit His recognition: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
In closing, let us note that Jesus stands alone in His perfection. Fully divine and fully human, He died on our behalfs, and in our places on the Cross to take the full punishment for our sins. He accurately predicted both His Crucifixion and His Resurrection, and He ascended to heaven to make His home our home, with the promise that He will one day return for His Church. Let each one of us be certain that we have a personal faith in Him. If you are uncertain, ask Him today to be your Savior. He will love to love you as His own.